Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens
November 7, 2014
Fox Theatre- Pomona, CA
The first leg of The World Tour presented by Rockstar Energy Drink co-headlined by Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens kicked off this past weekend in the first of many sold-out shows with Beartooth and This Wild Life as support. Hosting the second stop of the first leg of U.S. shows was the FOX Theater in Pomona, that is only feet from the legendary Southern California all ages venue, The Glass House that has served as a host to many up and coming bands as Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens did early in their careers.
The diehard fans that were able to purchase the limited VIP package were lined up outside the venue hours before the announced door opening time. With their commemorative VIP laminate and GA ticket in hand, these fans made their way into the FOX Theater for a brief Meet & Greet with Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens that included a signed limited edition tour poster and early admission. Following the Meet & Greet, the fans were allowed to stake their spot on the house floor and watch Beartooth and This Wild Life perform their sound check prior to the doors opening.
Long Beach, CA acoustic duo, This Wild Life opened the evening with a short set that included the songs, History and Concrete. The duo, which originally started as a 4-piece, did a great job warming up the evening still fresh off their stint on the Vans Warped Tour this past summer.
When it comes to intensity, perfection and never letting up, Beartooth delivers as promised. Beartooth’s live performance echoes that of what has made Every Time I Die and The Dillinger Escape Plan who they are. Earlier in the night, everything from the tuning of their guitars to the sound being dialed in correctly was critical to lead singer Caleb Shomo who made his way from the stage to the back of the floor making sure all was perfect. Prior to the start of their set, Shomo told everyone in the crowd that for the next 30 minutes, be prepared for the intensity and the band to never stand still. The Lines opened up the performance that saw Shomo running from one side of the stage to the other that was highlighted by a cabinet dive, courtesy of bass player, Oshie Bichar. The short, but aggressive track Dead was followed nicely by Beaten In Lips, I Have A Problem and Body Bag. Whether you have seen them, or are still waiting for your chance, Beartooth has created a massive following that will only continue with every tour and record that they release.
Sleeping With Sirens eventually made their way on stage after a brief set-up. The stage, layered out with massive lighting rigs, fog machines, two live video screens stationed at each side of the screen and a platform that ran across the length of the stage resembled that of a production that would be seen in an arena show. They launched into their new single and music video, Kick Me that was released earlier that day following the announcement of signing with Epitaph Records that kicked into Congratulations highlighted by its guitar solo and musical grooves. A mid-set break showcased a brief acoustic performance of Scene Two: Roger Rabbit and a cover of Iris, made famous by the Goo Goo Dolls. Kellin Quinn kept his stage presence strong as the massive crowd spanning the floor and balcony lit it up the FOX Theater with their lighters and cell phones. The excitement picked back up with the rebellious Do It Now Remember It Later that once again kept the level going up until the closer, If You Can’t Hang along with the confetti sprayed over the crowd. 
Watching Pierce The Veil grow from a support band at Chain Reaction in nearby Anaheim to the headlining act that they have become over the years is result of success. Following up an act like Sleeping With Sirens can present any challenge for a band, but Pierce The Veil were clearly up for it. A massive banner descended from the rafters above covering the entire stage that led to numerous PTV chants from the crowd that went berserk when views of lead singer/guitarist Vic Fuentes became visible behind it. Noting their Spanish roots from their hometown of San Diego, CA they launched into their opening number, Hell from Above that was as explosive as its name highlighted by the non-stop energy from bassist Jaime Preciado and guitarist Tony Perry who made their way from one side of the stage to the other throughout the song that included a burst of confetti onto the crowd. Bulls in the Bronx kept up the intensity with fog machines just before the band brought a mariachi dancer on-stage midway through it, similar to the song’s music video. Disasterology rose the intensity and heat of the crowd while The Balcony Scene showcased the band’s melodic side, capped off by an impressive light show that had even this writer impressed. Hold On Till May and an alternative version of I’m Low On Gas and You Need a Jacket brought the crowd to life with two solid songs. King For A Day rounded out the performance that clearly showcased why Pierce The Veil have become who they are as a band.
The World Tour is currently in the midst of its first US Leg with a second planned for early next year. Get your tickets early as each show is selling out fast.
Review by: Robert Fayette
Pierce the Veil
Sleeping with Sirens
Beartooth
This Wild Life
